Email Announcements Received Today:

Published Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 10:13 am

1) Smith Gallery Presents Net Works Feb. 12

The Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University presents a lecture on contemporary art by Dr. Cary Levine on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Belk Library and Information Commons room 114. Dr. Levine will present a discussion on artists innovating with technology in his lecture, “Net Works: Jodi and the Early Days of Internet and Game Mods.” The event is free and open to the public.

2) August the Deer at Grandfather Mountain Passes Away

One of three resident white-tailed deer at Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats has died. August, a 10-year-old doe, was humanely euthanized Thursday after suffering hip and leg problems that could not be remedied. A necropsy conducted this week did not reveal any conclusive diagnosis to explain the deer’s symptoms, but technicians believe her joint issues may have been age-related. August was born at Grandfather Mountain on May 26, 2004. Due to state regulations instituted after her birth, she could not be released into the wild as intended. Instead, she lived a life of leisure in Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats, staying close to her mother, Vega, and sister, Sprite. August surprised the staff in 2005 with the birth of a fawn, which was placed with a rehabilitation center due to her mother’s youth and resulting complications. Habitat Curator Christie Tipton remembered August as a “sweetheart” who never gave the staff any trouble. She loved munching on apples and being around her family, Tipton said. The deer began to struggle slightly with mobility in early November, then took a turn for the worse last week, according to habitat staff. “It’s been getting worse in the last week or so,” Tipton said. “She couldn’t even walk in a straight line.” With few treatment options available for deer suffering leg problems, the staff decided that ceasing August’s suffering was the only option. August is survived by her mother, Vega, and Fauna, an unrelated deer who also shared the habitat.

3) Men’s Hoops to Participate in Coaches Powering Forward

Appalachian State University men’s basketball will participate in the Coaches Power Forward for Autism initiative this weekend when it plays host to Troy at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Holmes Center. The initiative, which benefits Autism Speaks, is designed to raise awareness about autism while also serving as a fundraiser for global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism. On Saturday the Mountaineer coaching staff will wear blue puzzle piece lapel pins, the official logo of Autism Speaks, to help raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition, several groups from the campus and High Country communities will be on hand to give out more information about autism. Groups in attendance will include the Appalachian State chapter of Autism Speaks U, ABLE Rec, KAMPN and Parent to Parent. Representatives from each organization will have tables set up at the southwest entrance of the Holmes Center throughout Saturday’s game. For more information, contact the Promotions & Fan Engagement Office at 828-262-8649 orappstpromo@appstate.edu. Fans can also donate to Autism Speaks online by visiting www.autismspeaks.org/coachpower and searching “Appalachian_CoachFox” in the search tool on the righthand side of the website. Currently, Appalachian State ranks first in the nation in total donations with the goal of raising $6,800 by the end of the donation period, which runs through Feb. 8. Later this week, App State TV will air a special feature on the personal impact that autism has had on App State assistant coach Jason Allison and his family. Check appstatesports.com on Friday to view the feature in its entirety.

4) Ensemble Stage Auditions and Prep for 2015 Summer Season Underway

Summer Professional Season opens June 2o: That’s right, on June 20 at 7 p.m. the curtain in the Blowing Rock Auditorium (160 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock) will go up and signal the beginning of another great Summer of professional theatre in Blowing Rock. We’ll have four professional Mainstage productions throughout the Summer and a special show for kids on select Saturdays. We’re in the middle of our play-readings right now to select our shows and we’ll be announcing titles and selling reserved seating Season Subscriptions very soon.

Auditions Held March 8:Sunday, March 8, 2-8 p.m. we’ll be conducting auditions for our Spring / Summer Mainstage Seasons. We’ll also be interviewing designers, technicians and potential interns. They are all paid positions so if you’re interested go to the “Auditions” page of our website at www.ensemblestage.com.

Kids Theatre Camps: The dates for our kids Summer Theatre Camps have been set. For ages 7-11 camp will be July 6 through July 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 12-15 camp will be July 13 through July 24, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. More details and sign-up information coming soon.

5) February Events at the BRAHM

Winter Exhibition Celebration: Friday, Feb. 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. Free admission, refreshments and live music by Robert Steadman, Jr.

What Is Appalachian Music?: A playlist project with Dr. Sandra Ballard, Mark Freed and Trevor McKenzie on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. This is a free program with locally baked breakfast goods and coffee.

Coffee with the Curator: This event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. This event is free for members and included with regular admission for non-members. Coffee is included.

Old Time Dance: An old time dance and evening at the museum will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, from 7-9 p.m. Caller John Turner and live old-time music by Laurel Creek Stringband. Cost is $5 per person and children 12 and under receive free admission.